make a move

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a move" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to taking a step towards achieving something, or to refer to taking an action of any kind. For example, "John finally made a move and asked Jane out on a date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Burris decided to make a move.

The New York Times

They had to make a move.

Independent

I barely make a move without it.

The New York Times

"One guy would make a move here, another would make a move there.

The New Yorker

Asmerom started to make a move.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't make a move without Jerry.

The New York Times

I have to make a move".

The New York Times - Sports

She had to make a move.

The New York Times

She decided to make a move.

The New York Times - Style

"Somebody's got to make a move".

The New York Times

"He was trying to make a move.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a move" when you want to suggest taking an action, whether in a literal or figurative sense. It's suitable for describing strategic decisions, personal initiatives, or even romantic advances.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "make a move" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "take action" or "implement a strategy" for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a move" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of taking action or initiating something. It can refer to strategic decisions, personal initiatives, or even romantic advances. Ludwig examples show this phrase in various contexts, affirming its general usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a move" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe taking action or initiating something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in wikis and business communications. While it's generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously in highly formal settings. Related phrases include "take action", "take the initiative", and "get going". When using "make a move", ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality, opting for more precise alternatives in highly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take action

Focuses more on the act of doing something rather than initiating something new.

take the initiative

Emphasizes being the first to act, showing leadership or proactivity.

step up

Suggests taking on more responsibility or addressing a challenge directly.

spring into action

Conveys a sense of immediacy and quick response.

initiate proceedings

Implies a formal or legal action, more structured than a simple move.

set in motion

Focuses on starting a process or plan that will unfold over time.

get going

Informal way of suggesting starting an activity or leaving a place.

make headway

Highlights making progress or advancing towards a goal.

launch an offensive

Implies an aggressive or strategic action, especially in competitive contexts.

stir oneself

Suggests overcoming inertia or laziness to finally take action.

FAQs

How can I use "make a move" in a sentence?

You can use "make a move" to describe taking an action. For example, "The company decided to "make a move" into the Asian market" or "It's time for me to "make a move" and pursue my dreams".

What are some alternatives to "make a move"?

Alternatives include "take action", "initiate proceedings", or "take the initiative", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "make a move"?

It's appropriate when discussing decisions to take action, start something new, or shift strategies. It fits well in both informal and neutral contexts but should be used judiciously in very formal settings.

Is "make a move" a formal or informal expression?

It leans towards being a neutral to slightly informal expression. While understood in most contexts, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "take decisive action" or "implement a strategic shift".